Savory Summer Picnic Pasta Salad Recipe

Savory Summer Picnic Pasta Salad Recipe

June 19, 2025 Written by Abigail

Summer Picnic Pasta Salad

The weather is warming up, and that means it’s time for picnics in the park! Today, I’m sharing a delicious Summer Picnic Pasta Salad recipe that’s perfect for any outdoor gathering. Packed with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next picnic.

Ingredients:

  • penne pasta (250g)
  • cherry tomatoes (150g, halved)
  • cucumbers (100g, diced)
  • red onion (50g, thinly sliced)
  • feta cheese (100g, crumbled)
  • kalamata olives (50g, pitted and halved)
  • fresh basil (20g, chopped)
  • lemon (1, juiced)
  • olive oil (60ml)
  • salt (to taste)
  • black pepper (to taste)

Kitchen Tools:

  • medium pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk

Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions in a medium pot. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water until cooled.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, halved kalamata olives, and chopped fresh basil.

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is well coated.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Before serving, give the pasta salad a final toss and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this Summer Picnic Pasta Salad.

Approximate total weight of cooked dish: 830g
Number of servings: 4
Average weight of one serving: 207.5g
Approximate calorie count per serving: 320 calories

Pro Tip: For an extra burst of freshness, add some lemon zest to the pasta salad before serving. It’ll bring out the citrus flavors and brighten up the dish even more.

I hope you give this Summer Picnic Pasta Salad a try at your next outdoor gathering. Feel free to customize it with your favorite seasonal ingredients and make it your own! Enjoy!

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